This book offers an innovative view of the art of East Germany that will fascinate art lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Behind the Mask: Artists in the GDR focuses on the wide variety of artistic self-staging in the GDR, between public and private, prescribed collectivism and creative individuality. The intention of the GDR's official state art was to exert political influence and this resulted in ideological entanglements that have been examined in numerous publications and exhibitions in recent years. Yet how did artists in the GDR critically scrutinize themselves and their own art when their prescribed role was to represent the interests of the state? The pertinent essays and outstanding reproductions in this volume draw a comprehensive picture of art in the GDR from a new and knowledge-enhancing perspective. AUTHORS: Ortrud Westheider is Director of the Museum Barberini in Potsdam, Germany. Michael Philipp is Chief Curator of the Museum Barberini in Potsdam, Germany. Exhibition Itinerary: Museum Barberini, Potsdam, Germany October 28, 2017-February 4, 2018 Published in association with the Museum Barberini 200 colour illustrations.